Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, North Carolina features an award-winning film and exhibits which highlight the natural and cultural heritage, economic traditions, and recreational opportunities found in Western North Carolina and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The visitor center houses a 70-seat theater, information and orientation services, and a retail shop offering books, apparel, CDs, DVDs, collectibles, souvenirs, and children's items. It is also the site of numerous special events. Call 828-298-5330, ext. 303, for information on upcoming events here.

See the Movie

The Blue Ridge Parkway—America's Favorite Journey, a 24-minute film shown in high definition surround sound, uses breathtaking aerial photography and the story of a father-daughter motorcycle trip to introduce visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of the mountains and the history of the construction of the Parkway. It features craft artisans and traditional musicians from the region.

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Tour the Green Building

The building itself reflects the cutting edge of energy-saving technology. The LEED-certified structure incorporates active/passive heating and cooling, radiant floor heating, a "green" roof, and other energy efficient features.

One of the largest exhibits is the "I-Wall," a 22-foot interactive map of the entire Blue Ridge Parkway which provides multi-media information on places to visit on and near the Parkway. Other exhibits focus on the history and heritage of the Parkway and Western North Carolina. The visitor center also houses interactive kiosks which provide information on places to visit.

Plan Your Blue Ridge Mountains Vacation

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area staffs a regional visitor information desk and has its offices in the building. The Blue Ridge Parkway also staffs an information desk with rangers on duty to answer travel questions about the Parkway.

Hike on the Parkway and Mountains-to-Sea Trail

A 1.2 mile loop trail starts from the parking lot of the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center and joins the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This is a moderate 45-minute hike, great for stretching legs after a road trip.

Hours of Operation

Hours of operation are from 9 am to 5 pm daily, year-round.

The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Location

The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is located at Parkway milepost 384, which is about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection) and about 8 miles east of downtown Asheville. The Folk Art Center is located nearby, two miles to the north along the Parkway.